The Black Diamond Trail is an 8.4 mile stretch of stone dust trail, which has been converted from an old railroad bed. The trail passes through a mix of woodland and pastoral lands along the western slope of Cayuga Lake. Trailheads at Cass Park/Allan H. Treman State Park in the City of Ithaca and Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg provide parking and access to the trail. Recreational opportunities include hiking, jogging, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

Hours of Operation

The trail is open year round from dawn to dusk.

Fees & Rates

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. There is no fee to use the Black Diamond Trail; however, a park use fee may be encountered if accessing the trail from parking available at Allan H. Treman and Taughannock Falls State Parks.

Maps

Taughannock Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi. With a drop of 215 feet (66 meters), it is 33 feet higher than Niagara Falls, but with a much smaller volume of water.

Don't miss the view of Taughannock Falls from the Falls Overlook - the gorge creates a natural amphitheater that holds in the dense spray that rises from the bottom of the falls and shrouds the lower part of the cataract in mist - it will inspire a hike down the George Trail and provide the setting for the perfect photo of the falls.

The Black Diamond Trail passes through a landscape mixed with hardwood forests and pastoral lands. The diverse landscape offers opportunities for viewing a variety of wildlife including many species of birds.

In the spring, wildflowers blanket hillsides along the Black Diamond Trail.

The Black Diamond Trail offers views of the Cayuga Lake along the way. For bird watching fans, the Hog Hole wetland viewable from the southern end which provides great opportunities to view waterfowl.

Hunting and trapping are prohibited along the trail. However, private property adjoins the trail corridor where hunting may occur during hunting season. NYS Parks recommends wearing an article of blaze orange clothing for added safety during hunting season.